english3050 - How-To Manuals

A Step-by-Step Guide
For Creating a How-To Manual or Instructional Text

Definition of the How-To Genre:
A how-to genre is a simple to read, step-by-step set of instructions to assist consumers/readers in getting what they want out of the product via diagrams, pictures, and chronologically ordered steps. The reader of this genre will be completing a process with a start and a finish.

Components of the How-To Genre:

Numbered/Chronologically Ordered Steps
Diagrams and/or pictures used in place of text or used to support text
Text is simple to read: language geared toward a specific audience
Contact information(phone numbers and/or email addresses) for more help is provided
Cover page/title is included
Parts/materials/ingredients are listed (telling reader what he/she needs before beginning the step-by-step process)

Writer’s materials:

Computer or paper and writing utensil
All materials for the “thing” you are creating instructions for (i.e. all parts for a Lego set, all food ingredients for a recipe, etc.)

Steps for Writers:

Refer to the list of materials above. Be sure you have all the necessary materials.
Choose a topic for which you would like to give another person usage instructions (i.e. how to tie a shoe, how to build a Lego car, how to bake a cake, etc.).
Do some research: find out what materials your reader will need to create the topic you chose in step 2.
Begin your how-to instructions by making a list of the materials your reader will need. Label this list with the heading “Necessary Materials.”
Practice your procedures: Before you write down your step-by-step instructions, practice doing these instructions. Make notes as you complete each step of the instructions.
Carefully write down each step in your step-by-step instructions. Each step should be in chronological order. Each step should be written in the 2nd person (addressing the reader as “you”). Or, you can write each step as a command (not addressing the reader but telling them what to do).
This list of instructions should be labeled with the heading “Step by Step Instructions.”
After you have completed writing your instructions, practice them. Do each step in order; make notes on any changes you need to make.
After you have finished practicing your instructions, re-read them again. This time, proof-read them for any grammatical, punctuation, and/or spelling errors. Make any changes needed.
If you are able, ask another person to practice your instructions. Ask this person if you have left out any important information. Make any changes as needed.
Finally, consider how graphics might help guide your reader. How might diagrams, pictures, flowcharts, arrows, etc. help your reader better understand how to complete the task you are describing?
Insert graphics in appropriate places in your step-by-step instructions.
Now add the last two components to this genre: First, determine a place to put “contact information” for the reader to contact you for help. (A good place for this is at the bottom of the document’s last page or as a footer on all the document’s pages).
Next, complete the document by giving it a title. This title can either be located at the top of the document’s first page or on a front cover page. The title should be short and should specifically tell the reader what he/she will learn to do in this document (i.e. “A Manual on How To Tie a Shoe” or “A Guide for Learning to Bake a Cherry Pie”).